My first Military is shipped to me as we speak. I've been reading a lot of reviews and it seems to be one of the best tactical/survival/all-round folders available.
In some forums I read that the Emerson Commander is one of the few competitors. It indeed looks like a great knife. Does anyone here have experience with it? or with other competitive knives?
Ted
Military - Is there competition?
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dialex
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I don't own a Millie yet <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. I respect those guys at Benchmade, but the axis lock does not seem that reliable to me as it involves a tiny spring. Being so small I think it can break and wear easier than a lockback (frontlock <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) spring or a locking liner / compression lock.
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sam the man..
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Well, the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> military, IMHO, is by no doubt, one of the most reliable cutting tool I've ever experienced. In the field, its hardy, robust and very easy to maintain. The CPM440V steel for instance, stood up to its challenge of wear and edge retention. I hardly worry about it when it comes to cutting fiborous and soft objects. For the sheer assurance, this sleek performance did took some heavy punishments by being accidently dropped on concrete and having its tip chipped off. But with a bit of touching up on the 204, its back on the road...
Emerson's Commander on the other hand, is pretty much a curiosity item. Having owned two (one in black G-10 and the other in Olive Green), I must say that these are purely cupboard queens. One thing that amazes me is the wave opening system. But if you play too much, it'll eat up the pivot. Unlike the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Military, the Commander utilises a rather odd edge. Its assymetrical grind didn't really give it a hair-popping edge. Even after some touch-ups on the 204, I still find it rather on the average on the sharpness index. And if you compare prices, the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Military may have taken the top spot.. Its also constantly improving and I would bank my dollar on it being a top contender in hard use situations.. Maybe someday, there will be a custom option for the Military.. <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Sam
have bone implant will travel..
Edited by - samo on 8/9/2002 9:43:23 AM
Emerson's Commander on the other hand, is pretty much a curiosity item. Having owned two (one in black G-10 and the other in Olive Green), I must say that these are purely cupboard queens. One thing that amazes me is the wave opening system. But if you play too much, it'll eat up the pivot. Unlike the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Military, the Commander utilises a rather odd edge. Its assymetrical grind didn't really give it a hair-popping edge. Even after some touch-ups on the 204, I still find it rather on the average on the sharpness index. And if you compare prices, the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Military may have taken the top spot.. Its also constantly improving and I would bank my dollar on it being a top contender in hard use situations.. Maybe someday, there will be a custom option for the Military.. <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Sam
have bone implant will travel..
Edited by - samo on 8/9/2002 9:43:23 AM
IMO comparable for the price range include the Benchmade 710 and probably the Al Mar SERE 2000 (but I don't own an Al Mar yet so can't say for sure). In fact, with so many high-quality knives out there, there is plenty of competition these days.
That said, if you want a performing cutting tool, I would pick the Military over the Commander hands-down. I think the Commander was designed more as a weapon, but the Military is one of the best cutters out there. The Military is not my favorite Spyderco (I love the SS Police even more), but my PE Millie is a cutting monster.
That said, a Military with VG-10 blade would, IMHO, be even better. I have written this before, so I'll keep buggin' about it: Military in VG-10!!! <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> :D
Jim
That said, if you want a performing cutting tool, I would pick the Military over the Commander hands-down. I think the Commander was designed more as a weapon, but the Military is one of the best cutters out there. The Military is not my favorite Spyderco (I love the SS Police even more), but my PE Millie is a cutting monster.
That said, a Military with VG-10 blade would, IMHO, be even better. I have written this before, so I'll keep buggin' about it: Military in VG-10!!! <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> :D
Jim
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Blade Santa Cruz
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James,
Why would you want VG10 in your millie when the S60V (CPM440V) is so much better? The present steel takes a better edge, holds it longer and therefore requires less sharpening. The only advantage I can see for VG10 is in extremely corrosive environments, and that is a small advantage that disappears if you take even minimal care of the S60V.
KEEP S60V IN THE MILITARY!!!
Why would you want VG10 in your millie when the S60V (CPM440V) is so much better? The present steel takes a better edge, holds it longer and therefore requires less sharpening. The only advantage I can see for VG10 is in extremely corrosive environments, and that is a small advantage that disappears if you take even minimal care of the S60V.
KEEP S60V IN THE MILITARY!!!
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Blade Santa Cruz
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Why??? Particularly for the Millie?
The 440V allows for an optimum edge bevel and makes for a better cutter - it takes a better edge and holds it longer than would a VG10 blade. A 440V version would out-cut a VG10 version all day long - make that all week long.
And I haven't had any problem in keeping mine sharp over the last 6 months.
The 440V allows for an optimum edge bevel and makes for a better cutter - it takes a better edge and holds it longer than would a VG10 blade. A 440V version would out-cut a VG10 version all day long - make that all week long.
And I haven't had any problem in keeping mine sharp over the last 6 months.
Hi Ted,
I´ll say it this way, since i need cuttingpower from my knives, and almost never cut any people up, I will trade my commander (PE, green, SF) for the millie or endura or....any day!
The commander is a weapon if you ask me, thats all!
Vox.
Ps:But if you have a lot of jeans, the wave is a cool feature!
I´ll say it this way, since i need cuttingpower from my knives, and almost never cut any people up, I will trade my commander (PE, green, SF) for the millie or endura or....any day!
The commander is a weapon if you ask me, thats all!
Vox.
Ps:But if you have a lot of jeans, the wave is a cool feature!
I may have a skewed opinion about the CPM-440V used on the Military. Enough people seem to be enthusiastic to make me think I probably just let mine get past where I could easily sharpen it again, then became frustrated with it. I should probably try one again, and concentrate on keeping it sharp this time.
I guess, considering all of this that I should not be "afraid" of the CPM-440V blade on the Chinook, in case I decide to get another of those sometime.
Jeff/1911.
Edited by - jeff/1911 on 8/15/2002 8:26:38 AM
Edited by - jeff/1911 on 8/15/2002 8:28:51 AM
I guess, considering all of this that I should not be "afraid" of the CPM-440V blade on the Chinook, in case I decide to get another of those sometime.
Jeff/1911.
Edited by - jeff/1911 on 8/15/2002 8:26:38 AM
Edited by - jeff/1911 on 8/15/2002 8:28:51 AM
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Blade Santa Cruz
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James,
Yes, I even bought a PE Police in VG-10 to have a direct comparison. (OK, so the Police IS a classic and a **** nice knife as well).
My experience is that I can put a significantly better edge (I use a "working sharp" level just shy of "Hair Popping"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> that lasts a LOT longer. And that's primarily what I want a knife for: to cut well and hold an edge. At the hardness levels that <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> uses, the Millie edge can be beveled/profiled to optimize the steel's performance; the S60V edge does NOT roll easily and is extremely durable. The "disadvantages" I buy into are lower corrosion resistance, but I have no problem cleaning a knife after use, and problems in sharpening, which I've yet to encounter. So for a working knife that really cuts, the S60V with a thin, flat grind is pretty much an optimum combination for an EDC for me. I believe that going to VG-10 would be a step backwards, albiet not a big one.
Yes, I even bought a PE Police in VG-10 to have a direct comparison. (OK, so the Police IS a classic and a **** nice knife as well).
My experience is that I can put a significantly better edge (I use a "working sharp" level just shy of "Hair Popping"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> that lasts a LOT longer. And that's primarily what I want a knife for: to cut well and hold an edge. At the hardness levels that <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> uses, the Millie edge can be beveled/profiled to optimize the steel's performance; the S60V edge does NOT roll easily and is extremely durable. The "disadvantages" I buy into are lower corrosion resistance, but I have no problem cleaning a knife after use, and problems in sharpening, which I've yet to encounter. So for a working knife that really cuts, the S60V with a thin, flat grind is pretty much an optimum combination for an EDC for me. I believe that going to VG-10 would be a step backwards, albiet not a big one.
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cmassicotte
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Blade Santa Cruz
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Chuck,
30 degrees works pretty well for me, especially as an EDC. It makes for a dandy all-around configuration.
I've really liked Military models since I handled my first one. At 55-56 RC, the S60V version does just about anything I ask it to and does it very well. And the price is right, especially if you have a little patience and hang around eBay a bit.
30 degrees works pretty well for me, especially as an EDC. It makes for a dandy all-around configuration.
I've really liked Military models since I handled my first one. At 55-56 RC, the S60V version does just about anything I ask it to and does it very well. And the price is right, especially if you have a little patience and hang around eBay a bit.
Benchmade 710 with M2 Steel ring a bell?
AFCK Axis Lock and D2 steel?
Strider folders......1/2 inch of steel and Ti liners. Pretty darn Hard core.....I would say that Military has some good competition. I am not sure the Commander comes close to the Military, that person would be comparing apples to oranges. The Military is way sharper then the Commander and IMHO is better engineered then the EKI knife. And that folks is a wrap <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
AFCK Axis Lock and D2 steel?
Strider folders......1/2 inch of steel and Ti liners. Pretty darn Hard core.....I would say that Military has some good competition. I am not sure the Commander comes close to the Military, that person would be comparing apples to oranges. The Military is way sharper then the Commander and IMHO is better engineered then the EKI knife. And that folks is a wrap <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>